







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Yes, of course I remember. | |
| Do you really think it looks like we have a cleaner? | |
| Hmm, I guess it's a bit old, but it's still my favourite. | |
| You look a bit sad, are you okay? | |
| How much rice do you need? | |
| Erm... They pay 170 weekly. | |
| That's a perfect time to see a house... | |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
| Do you want me to put it in the bin? | |
| No, I don't have one! | |
| Erm, she's the marketing manager at the company. | |
| I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | |
| Do you want me to tell her that you are here? | |
| Why? It looks pretty clean to me! | |
| Good point, I'm sure they don't pay that much! | |
| Are you with your friends? | |
| Excuse me sir, here are your drinks and the menu. | |
| Your perfectly shaped mushrooms are ready! | |
| Also, he has got a very lovely, cute dog. | |
| Congratulations... But is Pogo a pet's name? | |